Blackjack Game with Additional Player Flexibility

ABSTRACT

A variation of casino blackjack. The player can have the option to split any two cards whether they are identical or not. The player can also double down and receive a double down card, and if the player does not like his or her double down card, then the player can discard the double down card and receive a second double down card

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/127,785(which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety), filed onMay 27, 2008, now allowed, which is a continuation in part ofapplication Ser. No. 11/611,842 (which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety), filed on Dec. 15, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present inventive concept relates to a casino table game, and moreparticularly, to a variation of casino blackjack.

2. Description of the Related Art

The popularity of casino blackjack has been waning in recent years.Other games, such as poker variants and machine games have provided thestandard blackjack game with some competition. Moreover, the standardblackjack game has become old and tiresome as gamblers have a limitedattention span and like to see new and exciting games.

Therefore, what is needed is a new variation of blackjack which canprovide a more enjoyable game than the standard version

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an enjoyablevariation of blackjack that can be played in a casino that some playersmay prefer over the standard game.

The above aspects can be obtained by a method that includes (a)receiving an initial wager from a player; (b) dealing a player's initialtwo cards and a dealer's hand; (c) allowing the player to double on theinitial two cards by receiving a double wager from the player anddealing to the player a double card face up; (d) permitting the playerto replace the double card, and if the player wishes to replace thedouble card, then replacing the double card with a replacement doublecard; and (e) continuing the blackjack game using standard rules withthe player's point total comprising a sum of the initial two cards andthe replacement double card.

The above aspects can also be obtained by a method that includes (a)receiving an initial wager from a player; (b) dealing a player's initialtwo cards and a dealer's hand; (c) allowing the player to split the twoinitial cards even if they are not of equal rank; and (d) continuing theblackjack game using standard rules.

These together with other aspects and advantages which will besubsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as thestructure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention,will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of implementing ablackjack wagering game allowing for both splitting non-identical ranksand double card replacement, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary table layout, according toan embodiment; and

FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of hardware that can be used toimplement an electronic embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements throughout.

The present general inventive concept relates to a method, system, andcomputer readable storage which allows a casino to offer to at least oneplayer a blackjack game which can provide a player with more flexibleoptions than a standard game does.

In the standard game of blackjack, after a player places a first wagerand receives his or her two cards, the player can only split cards thathave a same rank (same numerical value but different suit). For example,if the player is dealt a five of hearts and five of diamonds, the playercan split these. If the player is dealt two 10-valued cards, e.g., a tenof hearts and a jack of diamonds, typically the player would be allowedto split these as well. If the player is dealt a two of clubs and athree of diamonds, the player would not be allowed to split these sincethe rank values are not the same.

To split his or her cards, the player would place a second wageridentical in value to the first wager on the table. The two cards theneach become a separate hand and the player plays out each hand usingeach split card as a separate hand. The player may or may not be allowedto double on each hand after the player splits. For an example ofsplitting, if the player bets $5 and is dealt a five of hearts and afive of diamonds, and the dealer's upcard is a nine of spades. Theplayer now splits by placing an additional $5 wager near the originalwager, the dealer spreads the two cards apart, and the player continuesto player each hand. For example, on the five of diamonds the dealer nowdeals a ten of hearts. The player decides to hit and receives an eightof hearts, which causes the player to bust. Thus, the player has lostthe first $5 wager. Now the dealer deals a hand on the five of hearts.The dealer deals a six of spades, and the player hits again and receivesa two of hearts, and the player hits again and receives a 5 of diamonds,and the player now stands, for a total of 18. The dealer then revealsthe dealer's downcard and it turns out to be a ten of diamonds. Sincethe dealer has 19 and the player has 18, the player loses his other $5wager. Thus, the player has lost $10. Of course, the player could havewon both hands and won $10, or the player could have won one hand andlost the other hand and broken even.

Standard blackjack rules are known in the art and can be, for example: asix deck shoe, the dealer is dealt two initial dealer's cards, and theplayer is dealt two initial player's cards; aces count as one or eleven;the player may double on his or her initial two cards by placing adouble wager and receive only one double card; the player may splitcards of identical rank; the player may draw as many cards as he or shewishes, but if the player exceeds 21 then the player “busts” (loses). Ifthe player does not bust, then the dealer exposes both the initialdealer's cards and continues to draw until the dealer has a point totalof at least 17; player blackjacks pay 3:2.

In an embodiment which can be considered more desirable to players thanthe prior art blackjack game, the players can be allowed to splitnon-identical ranks. The player can split cards which do not haveidentical rank values, thus any two cards can be split. For example, ifa player places a $2 wager and is dealt an initial two cards comprisinga two of hearts and a three of diamonds, the player can split these byplacing an equal wager of $2 and indicate to the dealer he or she wishesto split. The player can now play out each card (the two of hearts andthe three of diamonds) separately. For example (assume the dealer'supcard is a seven), the player is dealt a nine on the two of hearts,then the player decides to double and places an additional $2 wager andreceives a ten spades for the double card. The player then receives asix of hearts on the three of diamonds, and hits and receives a three ofhearts, and then hits again and receive a king of diamonds, for a totalof 22. The player has busted on the second hand and loses the wager of$2. The dealer reveals his downcard which his a ten of clubs. Thus, thedealer has 17 and the player has 21 on the first hand. The player wins,and since the player placed an original wager of $2 and a double wagerof $2, the player wins $4. Thus, the player has a net win of $2 for thisround.

Of course, to allow the player to split any two initial cards isadvantageous to the player. In an embodiment, the player may be allowedto split any two initial cards. In a further embodiment, the player maybe allowed to only split some initial two card combinations, for examplethe player may be allowed to split only cards with equal ranks (as inthe prior art) or cards that fall into a certain subset (or range) orcards, for example cards from 4-9. Thus, under these rules, if theplayer is dealt a four and a five, the player can split. If the playeris dealt a three and a five, the player cannot split because this pairof cards do not fall under the allowed conditions for splitting.

In a further embodiment, a condition for being allowed to split nonidentical ranks can be a point total range. For example, if the sum ofthe players two initial cards fall between a range of values, forexample 14-16 (although any range(s) can be used), the player can beallowed to split his or her initial two cards. The player wouldtypically still be allowed to split any two cards of identical rank (ascurrently done in the standard game). Thus, for example, if the playerwere dealt a seven and a six, the total is 13, and thus the player wouldnot be allowed to split these under these conditions (since 13 isoutside the range of 14-16). As another example, if the player was dealta ten and a six, since this is a total of 16, the player would beallowed to split these. Since point totals of 14-16 are consideredundesirable hands by the player, this feature can help the player enjoythe game more by giving the player more options than a standard game. Ofcourse any point total(s)/range or sets of ranges can be used.

In a further embodiment, the player can be allowed to replace a doublecard with a new card. This variation can be offered with the split anypair feature described herein, or it can be offered on its own (and thesplit any pair feature can be offered on its own or with the replace adouble card feature). In a further embodiment, the split non-identicalranks feature

In a standard game of blackjack, when the player is dealt his or herfirst two cards, the player may wish to double his or her bet by placinga double wager alongside the player's original wager. Typically, theplayer will only be allowed to receive one additional card. For example,if the player is dealt a six and a five and the dealer's upcard is afive, the player may wish to double by placing a double wager (typicallyless than or equal to the initial wager). The player now receives adouble card, for example a five, to give the player a total of 16. Thisis typically upsetting to the player, as 16 is not a good hand to have.However, in standard blackjack rules, the player would be stuck with the16 and would have to hope that the dealer would bust.

In an embodiment, the player can double and if the player does not likehis or her double card, the player can replace the double card with anew double card (“double card replacement”). This feature shouldtypically be enjoyed by players as it will give the player a secondchance to receive a good double card. If the player does not like his orher new double card the player is typically not permitted to go back tothe first double card.

An example of how this can work is as follows. The player bets $1 and isdealt a six and a four (total 10), and the dealer's upcard is a five.The player now doubles and places a $1 double wager. The dealer dealsthe player a double card, which is a five. Since the player is unhappywith his current point total (15), the player indicates to the dealerthat he or she wishes to replace the double card with a new card. Thus,the dealer removes the five and deals the player a new double card, forexample a nine. The player's new total is now 19. Of course, this is agood hand in blackjack and thus the typically player would be happy. Nowthe dealer reveals the dealer's downcard to reveal a ten, and thedealers draws a seven to bust. The player has now won $2 (the $1original wager plus the $1 double wager).

Double card replacement can be allowed by the casino any time the playerwishes to double on the player's initial two cards. Further, double cardreplacement may be limited to only certain initial hands, for examplewhen the player's initial two cards fall between a range of values, suchas between 9-11 (either only hard 9-11 or any 9-11 including soft 9-11).Thus, for example, if the casino wishes to not allow double cardreplacement on soft point totals (totals involving an ace) the casinocan do so at their option.

The features described herein (“split non-identical ranks” and “doublecard replacement) can be offered individually or in combination. Ofcourse, these features give the player an additional mathematicaladvantage. Thus, the house would typically need to implement some typeof compensating feature that works to the house's (dealer's) advantagein order for the house to still have a mathematical edge. Anycompensating feature can be used.

One example of a compensating feature is taking ties (in other wordsplayers lose on a tie). Another compensating feature that can be used ispushing on certain dealer bust totals. For example, if the dealer bustswith a hard point total of 22, instead of the player winning (if theplayer is still in the game), the player merely pushes (doesn't win orlose). Thus can be done for any chosen point total or totals, forexample any one or more point totals from 22 to 26.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of implementing ablackjack wagering game allowing for both splitting non-identical ranksand double card replacement, according to an embodiment.

The method can start with operation 100, wherein a player places aninitial wager and a dealer deals a player's hand (two cards) and adealer's hand (either one up card if the European rules is being used,or one up card and one downcard of the American rule is being used).

From operation 100, the method can proceed to operation 102, whichdetermines whether the player initial two cards comprise a same rank(e.g., two sevens). Two ten valued cards can also be considered a samerank (e.g., queen and jack which can be split), although in anotherembodiment two non-same ten valued cards would not be considered a samerank and would not be allowed to be split (but a jack spades and a jackof diamonds would still be considered the same ten value).

If the determination in operation 102 determines that the initial twocards are of a same rank, then the method can proceed to operation 106which determines whether the player decides to split. The player canindicate his desire to split to the dealer by placing an additionalwager equal in size to the initial wager (although in a furtherembodiment the additional wager does not have to be equal in size) andoptionally telling the dealer he or she wishes to split.

From operation 106, the method can proceed to operation 108, wherein thedealer splits the player's hand and the game continues as known in theart.

If the determination in operation 102 determines that the player'sinitial two cards are not of the same rank then the method can proceedto operation 104, which determines whether the player's initial twocards meet a predetermined condition(s) for a non-identical split. Forexample, if a sum of the player's initial two cards fall between acertain point total (e.g., 14-16), then this meets the condition. If theplayer's initial two cards meet the condition(s) for a non-identicalsplit, then the method can proceed to operation 106. In an alternativeembodiment, all initial two card hands can be split without meeting anycondition.

If the determination in operation 104 determines that the player'sinitial two cards do not meet the condition(s) for a non-identicalsplit, then the method can proceed to operation 110, which determineswhether the player wishes to double. The player can indicate his or herdesire to double by placing a double wager alongside the initial wagerand optionally telling the dealer that he or she wishes to double

If the determination in operation 110 determines that the player doesnot wish to double, then the method can proceed to operation 112, whichcontinues the game without the player doubling.

If the determination in operation 110 determines that the player wishesto double, then the method can proceed to operation 114, which deals theplayer a double card.

From operation 114, the method can proceed to operation 116, whichdetermines whether the player wants to replace the double card. Theplayer can indicate to the dealer that he or she wishes to replace thedouble card by speaking this intent verbally and or performing a handlesignal to this effect. If the player does not wish to replace the doublecard, then the method can proceed to operation 122, which continues thegame using the initial hand and the double card dealt in operation 114.

If the determination in operation 116 determines that the player wantsto replace the double card, then the method proceeds to operation 118which determines whether the player's initial hand meets a predeterminedcondition(s) that must be met before the player is allowed to replacethe double card. For example, the point total of the player's initialhand may have to be certain totals (e.g., 10-11) before the player isallowed to replace the double card. If the player's initial hand doesnot meet the predetermined condition for replacing the double card, thenthe player will not be allowed to have his or her double card replacedand the method can proceed to operation 122, wherein the game iscontinued using the player's initial hand and the double card dealt inoperation 114.

If the determination in operation 118 determines that the player'sinitial hand does meet the predetermined condition for replacing thedouble card, then the method can proceed to operation 120, whichreplaces the double card with a replacement double card (dealt from thedeck or shoe). The game then continues using the player's initial handand the replacement double card.

It is noted that the method illustrated in FIG. 1 implements a gamewhich allows both splitting non-identical ranks as well as replacingdouble cards. Alternatively, each of these features can be implementedwithout the other. For example, if the splitting non-identical ranks isto be implemented without the ability to replace double cards, then FIG.1 would be modified as follows: From operation 114 the method wouldproceed to operation 122, without operations 116, 118, and 120. If thereplacing double cards is allowed without the splitting non-identicalranks, then from operation 102, if the player's initial two cards arenot of the same rank, then the method proceeds to operation to operation110, and operation 104 is not performed.

It can also be appreciated that the operations in FIG. 1 can beperformed in any sensible order. As just one example, the order ofoperations 116 and 118 can be switched.

Further, when a player splits, the player may or may not (depending onthe variation being implemented by the casino) be allowed to double. Ifthe player is allowed to double after a split, the player may or may not(depending on the variation being implemented by the casino) be allowedto replace the double card.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary table layout, according toan embodiment.

A dealer's area 1 is used to place the dealer's cards. A rules list 2displays the rules of the game, especially those which may deviate fromthe standard game of blackjack. A player's hand area 3 is where theplayer's cards are dealt as well as where the player places his or herwagers.

Table I below illustrates one exemplary set of rules using featuresdescribed herein. Of course the parameters in this table are merelyexemplary and other parameters can be used as well.

TABLE I 1. Any number of decks can be used but at least four arerecommended. 2. If the player's first two cards total hard 15 or 16 theplayer may split the two cards, even if they are not the same rank. 3.If the player's first two cards total 10 or 11 (and in some variations a9) the player may do a “Power Double,” in which the player may replacehis double down card and exchange it for the next card in the shoe. 4.If the player did not bust and the dealer busts with 22 points theplayer's bet shall push. 5. The Power Double and Power Split may only bedone on the first two cards. 6. The player may still do normal doubleand splits on the first two cards and after splitting, except in someversions double after split is not allowed. 7. If the player splits aceshe shall only get one card per ace. Resplitting aces and drawing tosplit aces are not allowed. 8. Under the European rules if the player isallowed to surrender he may do so before the dealer checks for blackjack(known as early surrender). 9. A player blackjack on the first two cardsshall pay 3 to 2.

Of course, different variations offered to players can result indifferent house advantages. Table II below illustrates several differentvariations and their respective house edges.

TABLE II Hole Card Dealer Hits Power Double after House Number RuleSurrender S17 Power Split Double Split Edge 1 American No Yes 15, 16 10,11 Yes 0.55% 2 European 2-10 No 15, 16 9-11 Yes 0.01% 3 European All No15, 16 10, 11 Yes 0.22% 4 European 2-10 No 15, 16 10, 11 Yes 0.67% 5European No No 15, 16 9-11 Yes 0.23% 6 European All No 15, 16 9-11 No−0.21% 7 American No Yes 15, 16 10, 11 No 0.77% 8 American No No 15, 1610, 11 No 0.32%

In Table II, the “Number” column refers to each different set of rulesillustrated in the Table. Table II illustrates eight differentvariations of the blackjack using features described herein, although itcan be appreciated that many other variations can also be offered usingdifferent parameters.

In Table II, the “Hole Card Rule” column refers to which dealer's holecard rule is used, either “American” or “European.” In the Americanrule, if the dealer has a 10 or ace up the dealer will peek at the holecard for a blackjack, or use a device for such a purpose. If the dealerhas a blackjack he or she will turn it over immediately. In the Europeanrule, the dealer does not take a hole card at all. If the dealer doesget a blackjack the player will lose his total amount bet.

In Table II, the “surrender” column refers to the ability of the playerto surrender or not. Surrender is where the player can surrender his orher initial two cards for receiving 50% of their wager back. “No” refersto whether surrender is offered at all. “2-10” means the player maysurrender against any dealer up card except an ace. “All” means theplayer may surrender any two card hand. In the American version thedealer will peek for a blackjack before insurance is offered. In theEuropean version there is hole card to peek at, thus insurance is muchstronger because it protects against a dealer blackjack.

In Table II, the “Dealer Hits S17” column refers to whether the dealerwill hit on a soft 17.

In Table II, the “Power Split” column refers to the ability of theplayer to split his or her two initial card of non-identical rank (asdescribed herein). These are the totals for each variation in which theplayer may power split on the first two cards.

In Table II, the “Power Double” column refers to the ability of theplayer to replace his or her double card (as described herein). Theseare the totals for each variation in which the player may do a powerdouble on the first two cards. These are hard totals, although inanother embodiment these can include soft totals as well.

In Table II, the “Double After Split” column refers to the ability ofthe player to double after he or she splits (whether splitting identicalranks or not).

In Table II, the “House Edge” column refers to the house edge of thatparticular variation if the player plays optimal strategy. The houseedge can be defined as the ratio of the expected player loss to theinitial bet. In order for the house to maintain a profit, the house edgetypically needs to be positive. The house edge illustrated in Table IIis not guaranteed to be accurate and may vary based on the type ofanalysis or simulation performed.

Two more examples of a game will now be presented. These examples userule set 8 from Table II, with the player pushing if the dealer bustswith a point total of 22. Using this rule set, if the player is dealtany totals other than hard 10, 11, 15, 16, then the game is playedexactly in the same way as standard blackjack.

Mike places a $1 initial wager and is dealt a 7 and 4 and the dealer'supcard is a 5. Mike decides to double and places an additional $1 doublewager and is now dealt a 3. Since Mike isn't happy with the 3 (for apoint total of 14), mike decides to replace the double card (by tellingthe dealer). The dealer removes the double card (the 3) and replaces itwith a replacement double card from the shoe which is a 9, for a pointtotal of 20. The dealer will not play out the dealer's hand usingstandard blackjack rules, with the exception that if the dealer gets ahard 22 then the player pushes (unless the player has already busted inwhich the player already lost). The dealer now turns over a jackfollowed by a 7 for a point total of 22. Thus, the player pushes all ofhis wagers (neither wins or loses $2).

In a further example, Jason bets $5 and is dealt a Jack and a 5 verses adealer's upcard of 8. The player decides to split the non-identicalranks since he can do so since the point total is 15 (according to thisset of rules which allows splitting of point totals of 15-16). Jasonplaces another $5 bet for the split hand. The dealer splits the Jack and5 and starts by dealing the next card to the Jack. The dealer deals a 6onto the Jack so that the player has a total of 16. In this example, thecasino does not allow the player to split non-identical ranks more thanonce, so the player cannot split the Jack, 6 (although in anotherembodiment the casino will allow players to resplit non-identicalranks). The player can now decide to take additional cards or to ‘stay’.In this case the player requests a ‘hit’ and receives a ‘2’ to make 18.The player now ‘stays’ and the dealer moves to the next split hand whichhas a 5 as the first card. The dealer deals a 5 to the 5 so that theplayer has a total of 10. In this example, since this is a split hand,the casino would still allow the player to double the split hand butwould not allow the player to then replace the double card. In analternative embodiment, the casino would allow the player to replace thedouble card at the player's choice, even after a split. Jason elects todouble and places a double wager of $5 receives a 7 to make a total of17. The dealer plays his or her hand and, starting with the 8, turnsover a 9 to make a total of 17. In this version ‘ties’ are ‘pushed’, asin the regular game, so the dealer will pay Jason's total of 18 and‘push’ the player's total of 17. Thus, Jason wins $5 on the 18 but tiesthe $10 on the doubled hand, for a net win of $5.

In yet further embodiments, a player receiving a blackjack would wineven though the dealer had achieved a bust point total which would haveotherwise resulted in a player push. In an alternative embodiment, inthe situation where the dealer's point total results in a player push,then a player blackjack could push also and the player would not win orlose.

In another embodiment, instead of paying blackjacks 3:2, blackjacks canbe paid at any other payout, such as 1:1, 7:5, 6:5, etc. Alternatively,blackjacks can also be paid at a higher payout than 3:2 (e.g., 2:1).

In yet another embodiment, the conditions relating the ability toreplace double cards and/or the ability to split non-identical ranks canapply to “soft” totals as well as “hard totals.” In another embodiment,conditions for either (or both) of these abilities applies to hardtotals only.

In a further embodiment, a player may continue to split non-identicalranks and identical ranks up to a predetermined amount of times, e.g., 4times.

In a further embodiment, a game as described herein can be played on anelectronic device, such as an electronic gaming machine (EGM). The gamecan also be played over a computer communications network, such as theInternet, and can also be offered at online casinos.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of hardware that can be used toimplement an electronic embodiment.

A processing unit 300 can be connected to an output unit 302 (e.g.,LCD), an input unit 304 (e.g. a touch screen, keyboard, buttons, etc.),a network connection 306 (e.g. connection to a casino server or theInternet or other communication network), a ROM 308, a RAM 310, and anyother hardware known in the art needed to implemented a digital versionof the game (not pictured). The game can also be served to a remoteclient playing at an online casino over a computer communicationsnetwork (such as the internet).

Any embodiments described herein can be played with a standard deck ofcards or any type of special deck (e.g. a Spanish deck, etc.) The gamecan also be played with a single deck or multiple decks (e.g. 1-8 decksor more). Standard rules of blackjack can be used as well as any knownvariation of blackjack. Further, the order of any of the operationsdescribed herein can be performed in any order and wagers can beplaced/resolved in any order. Any embodiments herein can also be playedin electronic form and programs and/or data for such can be stored onany type of computer readable storage medium (e.g. CD-ROM, DVD, disk,etc.)

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilledin the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exactconstruction and operation illustrated and described, and accordinglyall suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fallingwithin the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method to play a blackjack variation between aplayer and a dealer for a casino, the method comprising: providing oneor more physical decks of cards; receiving an initial wager from aplayer; dealing, from the one or more decks, a player's initial twocards and a dealer's hand; allowing the player to split the two initialcards even if they are not of equal rank; and continuing the blackjackgame using predefined rules.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1,wherein the allowing is permitted when the initial cards are not ofequal rank only if the initial two cards meet a predefined condition. 3.The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the predefined conditioncomprises whether a point total of the player's initial two cards fallwithin a range.
 4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the rangeis between 14 and
 16. 5. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein therange is between 15 and
 16. 6. The method as recited in claim 1, whereinthe blackjack variation contains a compensating feature which isfavorable to the house.
 7. The method as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising: if the player does not split on the initial two cards, thenbefore the continuing, performing: permitting the player to double onthe initial two cards by receiving a double wager from the player anddealing to the player a double card face up; and letting the player toreplace the double card, and if the player wishes to replace the doublecard, then replacing the double card with a replacement double card,wherein the continuing the blackjack game uses a sum of the initial twocards and the replacement double card as the player's point total. 8.The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the letting is offered to theplayer only if the player's initial two cards meet a predeterminedcondition.
 9. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein thepredetermined condition is a based on a point total of the initial twocards.
 10. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the blackjackvariation contains a compensating feature which is favorable to thehouse.
 11. An apparatus to play a blackjack variation between a playerand a dealer for a casino, the apparatus comprising: an electronicprocessing unit, configured to: receive an initial wager from a player;deal, from the one or more decks, a player's initial two cards and adealer's hand; allow the player to split the two initial cards even ifthey are not of equal rank; and continue the blackjack game usingpredefined rules.
 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein theallowing is permitted when the initial cards are not of equal rank onlyif the initial two cards meet a predefined condition.
 13. The apparatusas recited in claim 12, wherein the predefined condition compriseswhether a point total of the player's initial two cards fall within arange.
 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the range isbetween 14 and
 16. 15. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein therange is between 15 and
 16. 16. The apparatus as recited in claim 11,wherein the blackjack variation contains a compensating feature which isfavorable to the house.
 17. The apparatus as recited in claim 11,further comprising: if the player does not split on the initial twocards, then before the continuing, performing: permitting the player todouble on the initial two cards by receiving a double wager from theplayer and dealing to the player a double card face up; and letting theplayer to replace the double card, and if the player wishes to replacethe double card, then replacing the double card with a replacementdouble card, wherein the continuing the blackjack game uses a sum of theinitial two cards and the replacement double card as the player's pointtotal.
 18. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the letting isoffered to the player only if the player's initial two cards meet apredetermined condition.
 19. The apparatus as recited in claim 18,wherein the predetermined condition is a based on a point total of theinitial two cards.
 20. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein theblackjack variation contains a compensating feature which is favorableto the house.